American Go E-Journal

“Today’s games were uneventful,” reports Thomas Hsiang from Day Two of the SportAccord World Mind Games in Beijing, China. “Japan, Korea, China cruised to 5-win victories versus the EU, US, and Chinese Taipei teams. Andy Liu played against Park Jeonghwan today (12/10) and said he was thoroughly impressed. ‘I did not even know how I lost. Park’s play was perfect’”. Chinese Taipei’s popular Hei Jia-jia played a tough game against Li He, a game featured on the net broadcast. The game also attracted many pros in the study room. After an early exchange that favored Li, Jia-jia fought furiously back in an exciting fighting game. But in the end she still fell short.”

Tomorrow will see the EU pitted against US; the winner will avoid a last-place finish. Also, China and Korea will crash to produce the likely champion team. Japan will play Chinese Taipei for a probable third place.

“Andy Okun and I had a two-hour interview with Lee Youngho, brother of Lee Changho, and Xie Rui, the top Weiqi reporter in China who works for Titan Journal, a sports newspaper. Based on this interview, Titan will publish a feature story about go in America in its next issue.”

Click here for James Davies’ more detailed reports on Ranka Online, where you can also follow live matches, check out the schedule, results and participants.photo: SAWMG Opening Ceremonies; collage courtesy Ranka Online